Healthier Beauty Alternatives

.Not All Beauty Products Are Created Equally.

Like most things today, our beauty products are filled with many harsh chemicals. For that reason, I am always on the hunt to find good beauty products that have better ingredients for you. If you wouldn't want to put these nasty chemicals in your body, why put them on your body? I am still guilty of loving many products with these chemicals, but I figure the more natural products we can find, the better (especially for our skin care)!

Some of these products are better than others in terms of ingredients, but hey, baby steps first! Lets start with the 100% all-natural products first.

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil- This is my "holy grail" makeup remover, I cannot say enough good things about this product. I just jump in the shower, put a little of this oil into my hands, gently rub away ALL of my makeup (yes, eyes too!) and it literally removes everything. It leaves your skin feeling soft and never irritates your skin. This oil is just perfect and is made with all natural ingredients, such as organic argan oil, grape seed oil, and grapefruit oil. [1.9 oz.- $12.00]

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil- I once used this on my extremely sun burnt fiance, and after a couple nights of application, he did not peel. Now I'm not saying that it was this magical product, but coincidence? I think not... Again, this product is made with natural and organic ingredients. [2.2 oz.- $28.00]

Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist- This was one of the first products I ever bought from the Josie Maran line, and to this day still one of my favorites.  I love to spray this into my wet hair, to let dry naturally. The main ingredients are Himalyan Pink Sea Salt and Argan Oil. [4 oz.- $22.00]

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Treatment- This cleanser leaves your skin feeling so unbelievably soft. I am sad, because I lost the cloth that comes with it but just found out that you can buy them individually on QVC! If you have the money to splurge, this product is definitely worth it. Again, the main ingredient is 100% pure argan oil, along with beeswax, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil, etc... [3 oz.- $48]

Lush Mask of Magnaminty- I use this as my face mask 1-2 times per week. I like the minty sensation it gives your skin, but if that isn't your thing then maybe you should pass on this product! Lush Cosmetics are fresh and handmade with natural ingredients. This leaves my skin feeling very smooth! [4.4 oz.- $12.00]

Lush Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser - This cleanser feels like it is actually removing any impurities that your makeup and day has left in your skin. The kaolin clay base deep-cleanses while finely ground almonds and lavender flowers gently exfoliate away dry skin. Again, this product is made with natural ingredients such as ground almonds, lavender oil, chamomile blue oil, etc... [3.5 oz.- $13.95]

Nourish Organic Body Lotion in "Fresh Fig" - This lotion is USDA organic and is free of parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance or preservatives,sulfates, etc... I love this scent and I will definitely be repurchasing this product. [8 oz.- $11.99]

 Lavanilla Deodorant in "Vanilla Lavender". Finding a natural deodorant that is also good at keeping you dry and orderless is not an easy task. For me, I have found my dream deodorant in Lavanilla. This product does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Keep in mind, my body may differ from yours, and you may hate this product. For me, it works and I will continue to repurchase it! [1.7 oz- $14.00]

Olive Branch Organics Candle (not pictured)- I got this candle from a store in Santa Monica in the scent "Eucalyptus" and loved it. I decided to search the brand name and it turns out that these candles are hand poured and sold on Etsy. I am planning to try out the scent "Coconut Lemongrass" next. These candles are made with organic ingredients, coconut wax, essential oils, and are free of paraffin's, toxins, and other synthetic chemicals. It is comforting to know that you can burn a candle, and know that what is being released into the air that you are breathing is the goodness of all-natural ingredients! [10 oz.- $28.50]

Voluspa 'Vermeil' Candle in "Makassar Ebony & Peach" (not pictured). Each candle is crafted with a coconut wax blend, essential oils and a cotton wick, and is most importantly phthalate-free. Phthalates have been linked to many health conditions and are present in most candles. Not to mention, this scent is seriously to die for; it smells amazing! [11 oz.- $24.00]

I recently made a purchase from HerbivoreBotanicals using their Etsy shop. However, they are also sold in Anthropologie.

I might do a review on these products later, but wanted to let you know that I am super excited about trying them out. The packaging is beautiful; if you are a sucker for packaging like I am you will love it. More than the packaging though, these products are truly 100% Natural, vegan and always handcrafted carefully in small batches. No artificial colors, no artificial fragrances, no animal products, no parabens, no SLS, no unnatural preservatives are used in any of these products. These are the products I ordered:

HerbivoreBotanicals Lip Balm Set [3 1oz. tins- $28.00]

HerbivoreBotanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak  [16 oz.- $28.00]

HerbivoreBotanicals Luminous Body Oil [4 oz.- $32.00] 

HerbivoreBotanicals Dead Sea Bath Salt Set [3 types- $46.00]

HerbivoreBotanicals Hydrate Facial Toner [4 oz.- $24.00]

On to the beauty products, that may not be as natural as the others but do not contain the usual synthetic chemicals that most beauty products do:

Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer in Medium (no parabens or phthalates) [1.7 oz- $38.00]

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation in "Medium-Tan Honey" (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan) [0.51 oz.- $34.00]

Tarte Lights, Camera, lashes! Mascara (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates) [0.24 oz.- $19.00]

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer in "Medium tan" (no parabens, sulfates, phthalates) [1.7 oz.- $36.00]

Tarte Maracuja Lip Exfoliant (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan) [0.7 oz- $16.00]

Alterna Bamboo Thermal Protectant Spray (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan; contains organic ingredients) [4.2 oz- $25.00]

Alterna Hairspray (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan; contains organic ingredients) [15.5 oz.- $28.00]

Alterna Dry Shampoo (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan; contains organic ingredients) [4.75 oz.- $22.00]

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner (no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates) [4 oz.- $48.00]

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan) [0.5 oz.- $30.00]

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer (no parabens, sulfates, phthalates) [1.7- $26.50]

Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial (no parabens, sulfates, phthalates) [1.35 oz.- $45.00]

Hopefully, I have given you a few new natural beauty products to try out, so we can slowly start throwing out the stuff that is bad for us! Let me know if you have any suggestions/recommendations on other natural beauty products. I am always looking for other alternatives.

XoXo

.All Things Yoga.

 

Yoga- is it for you?

 

I hear a good amount of people say that they cannot do yoga because they are simply "not flexible enough"! Along with a million other reasons, people are often intimidated by the yoga practice. Many allow their minds to become so consumed with worry about how they will look in class, that they talk themselves out of even trying one. Yoga is not about how bendy you are, how strong you are or how good you look in a pair of yoga pants, it's about connecting with yourself and others by showing up to your mat and being your best possible self. Yoga is much more than a physical workout (even though it is ABSOLUTELY the best workout I have ever gotten); it is a meditative and spiritual practice as well. Yoga is forgiving, gracious, noncompetitive, and nonjudgmental. Yoga is for everyone.

 

Still unsure? Still think you are way too stiff to take a yoga class? Before I began yoga, I couldn't even touch my toes. I wasn't a gymnast or a cheerleader, I have never been able to do the splits, and I certainly did not consider myself flexible. Here's the thing though, you don't practice yoga because your flexible, you become flexible as a result of practicing yoga. As with many good things in life, flexibility for most, takes time and practice. One of the best feelings is knowing that just a couple of years ago I couldn't even touch my toes, but now I can plus so much more.

 

Sometimes finding the right yoga studio can be a challenge, so I urge you to try a few before deeming it not right for you. Studios, along with teachers, have their unique styles; some you may love and some you may not dig as much. One of the many reasons I fell in love with yoga is because you are able to truly make it your own practice. No matter what level you are at, there is a pose for you. Each pose has many modifications, tailored to fit a beginner student and an advanced student, and everyone else in between. Even if that means "child's pose "for you- that is your pose and you can own that pose for as long as your body needs it!

 

 

Where Can I Practice Yoga?

 

I am still exploring the yoga world, but I wanted to list a few experiences I have had and would recommend. First, Yogaglo is an online yoga studio that is filmed at their studio in Santa Monica. If you wanted to take a physical class there, all classes are free (pretty awesome right)! The online site is $18 per month for unlimited classes- this means that you can practice yoga anywhere, anytime and as many times as you want. This is perfect for those on the "go" or for anyone who is simply wanting to develop a home practice.

 

Many Lululemon's offer free community yoga classes as well (just check your local store to see what days they offer it).

 

I have found my home at Inner Evolution Yoga. Not only do they have very flexible class times and styles, but the owners are some of the best people you will ever meet. The instructors are friendly and it is easy to feel apart of the yoga community that has been built there over the years. They offer a 30 day trial for only $30 to new students, and sometimes have groupon/living social deals as well. If you are interested in checking out the current Groupon deal click here.

 

The last thing I wanted to mention is an annual festival that I have attended for the past three years in a row called Wanderlust. I have only had the opportunity to attend the festival in Lake Tahoe, but they have grown so much since their journey first began and now have festival locations in: Hawaii, Australia, Vermont, Canada, & Colorado. If you ever have the chance to go, I can't say enough positive things about it. It is still, to this day, my favorite vacation! There are pool parties, concerts, vendors, yoga classes, amazing yoga teachers, and so much more to see and do there. It is an amazing and unforgettable experience, for both those who are new to yoga and those who have been yogi's for a while!

 

Yoga Fashion

 

This post wouldn't be complete without going over some of the best yoga fashion out there! Brands that I currently own yoga clothing from and love are: Lululemon, Lucy, k.deer haute yoga wear, Athleta, Kira Grace, & Spiritual Gangster. A couple other brands I have admired from afar and just haven't had the chance to pick something up yet is Tiny Devotions & Teeki.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some pictures of my fiance and I practicing yoga (yes, men can & should practice yoga too; in fact it's hot).

 

 

 

 

 

Want a little extra yoga inspiration? Check out my favorite yoga teacher Kathryn Budig!

 

PLEASE let me know if you have any questions or comments! I hope you enjoyed this post & found it helpful [:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day Inspiration

Happy Valentine's Day beauties!
 

Sorry, it has been so long since my last post, but I wanted to get this Valentine's Day tutorial/inspo up! It was supposed to post earlier, but my computer was having issues. Anyways, my fiancé and I celebrated last night, and this was the look I wore. I hope you enjoy.

 

First, let's start with the eyes! I went for a soft and sweet look, using pinks and browns. Below is a step by step tutorial of how I achieved this look (sorry for the poor  picture quality, I had to use my iPhone for this).

 

 

Products I used:

Just a warning- this is a VERY full face coverage look. Feel free to leave out any products you find unnecessary. I just figured, its Valentine's Day and girllll I am getting dolled up (:

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow in Dark Brown for the brows.

Lorac Unzipped Palette for the eyes.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight 01 for the hilight.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Pink Mosaic for the cheeks.

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Pennylane for the top and bottom eyeliner.

Tarte- Lights, Camera, Lashes! for the mascara.

Tarte Colored Clay CC primer in Medium for the primer.

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer in Medium Tan for the moisturizer.

Tarte Colored Clay SPF 15 Liquid Foundation in Medium for the face.

M.A.C. Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30 for the concealer.

M.A.C Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Forecast for the liquid hilight.

Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze in 40 for the contour.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder for the setting powder.

Urban Decay Chilling Setting Spray (holy grail product).

Lipstick Queen Sinner in Bare Nude for the lips.

Lipstick Queen Exact Match Lip Liner in Bare Nude for the lips.

Velour Lashes in Whispie Sweet Nothings for the lashes (enter code JACLYNVELOUR for 15% off).

 



 

 

Use "UNCONDITIONAL" as your transition shade (all over the crease and slightly above).

Use the pink shadow from the M.A.C palette (sorry, it's too old so I am not sure of the color) all over your lid.

Use "UNBRIDLED" in the crease to darken it up & give it a soft- smoky look. Also use it on your bottom lash line to smoke it out even more so.

Use "UNREAL" in the center of your eyelids, to brighten the look up a bit.

Use "UNDERCOVER" as your brow bone hilight and on the inner corner of your eyes.

 

& here is the final look!

Or make it a little sexier with some red lips!

 

Shown in this picture are the Diorific Lipstick in 014 and Marc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer in Kiss This.

 

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day/Night.